Key findings from the 2025 DVD Networks, Cybersecurity, and Network Survey of 79 Virginia businesses 

DVD Networks surveyed 79 IT decision-makers and business leaders across Virginia to find out where organizations stand today on technology adoption, cybersecurity preparedness, and network infrastructure.

We found that Virginia businesses are deeply committed to technology as a driver of success. While most have formal cybersecurity programs in place, many are still working to close critical gaps in data security, cloud protection, and user education. At the same time, IT teams are under increasing pressure to do more with less.

1. Technology Adoption

When asked how crucial technology is to their company's success, respondents gave it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 — making it one of the strongest signals of tech dependency we've seen. Business and productivity tools dominate the stack, while AI adoption is already well underway.

Of the Virginia businesses surveyed:

• 91.1% use PCs, laptops, and/or tablets
• 84.8% use business/office applications (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, etc.)
• 81% operate IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking
• 74.7% have cybersecurity solutions in place
• 59.5% are already leveraging Artificial Intelligence

AI adoption at nearly 60% signals that Virginia businesses aren't waiting on the sidelines. IT providers have an opportunity to support companies in expanding their AI footprint with the right infrastructure, governance, and security foundations.

2. IT Staffing and Organizational Pressure

Most Virginia businesses have established IT support — whether in-house, outsourced, or both. However, IT organizations are under real strain, pulled between day-to-day demands and longer-term strategic priorities.

Of the Virginia businesses surveyed:

• 72.2% have IT professionals on staff
• 51.9% work with an IT support or services vendor
• 50.6% cite resource optimization as their top IT pressure
• 39.2% struggle with balancing day-to-day vs. strategic focus
• 39.2% are navigating the need for business agility alongside shrinking budgets
• 30.4% are dealing with staff shortages, turnover, and training challenges

These findings highlight a growing opportunity for managed IT service providers to step in and help organizations offload operational burden so internal teams can focus on higher-value initiatives.

3. Cybersecurity Preparedness

Formal Programs Are in Place — But Gaps Remain

As cyber threats continue to evolve, most Virginia businesses have responded with formal programs. Still, a notable minority remains exposed, and even those with programs in place acknowledge room for improvement.

Of the Virginia businesses surveyed:

• 82.3% have a formal cybersecurity program in place
• 17.7% do not have a formal cybersecurity program
• Average self-rated cybersecurity preparedness score: 4.0 out of 5
• Only 32.9% rated their preparedness a perfect 5

Cybersecurity Priorities for the Next 12 Months

When asked which areas of their cybersecurity strategy they most want to improve, respondents identified a broad range of needs — a sign that many programs still have significant gaps to address.

The top areas Virginia businesses want to improve:

• 43% Content and Data Security
• 39.2% Cloud Security
• 39.2% Endpoint Protection and Response
• 36.7% Compliance and Regulation
• 35.4% Incident Planning, Response, and Insurance
• 34.2% Network Security and Intrusion Prevention
• 31.6% Identity Access Management (IAM) and Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Remote Access and Secure Connectivity

With three-quarters of organizations supporting remote employees, securing access to internal applications is a top priority. Most organizations rely on MFA and VPN, while Zero Trust adoption remains low.

Of the Virginia businesses surveyed:

• 75.9% need to provide secure access for remote employees
• 73.4% use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
• 60.8% use VPN access
• 58.2% use cloud-hosted apps
• 44.3% use Single Sign-On (SSO)
• Only 11.4% have implemented Zero Trust

Top Cybersecurity Challenges Ahead

Of the Virginia businesses surveyed, the top challenges in the next 12 months are:

• 59.5% Educating users on safe internet and email practices
• 53.2% Integrating tools to create a comprehensive security posture
• 46.8% Limited staff and resources to manage security tools
• 43% Managing complex security tools
• 32.9% Protecting the network from internal threats and vulnerabilities

User behavior and resource constraints remain the biggest barriers to a strong security posture — regardless of how advanced the toolset. IT providers can help by offering managed security services, user awareness training, and simplified security platforms.

4. Network Infrastructure

Virginia businesses rated their IT networks an average of 4.1 out of 5, with 78.4% scoring their network a 4 or 5. While the foundation is solid, leaders are clearly planning investments to keep up with growing demands.

What Drives Infrastructure Decisions

When evaluating IT infrastructure and networking technology, the factors that matter most are:

• 88.6% Cost
• 64.6% Product or solution features
• 53.2% Scalability
• 48.1% Reputation
• 36.7% Industry or vertical experience

Cost leads by a wide margin — but scalability cracking the top three signals that leaders are thinking beyond the immediate purchase cycle.

Technology on the Roadmap

When asked which technologies and services they are evaluating in the next 12 months, respondents pointed to cybersecurity as the clear top priority, followed by managed services and cloud infrastructure.

Of the Virginia businesses surveyed:

• 50.6% are evaluating Cybersecurity solutions
• 30.4% are evaluating Managed Security Services
• 29.1% are evaluating Storage solutions
• 25.3% are evaluating Business Continuity
• 22.8% are evaluating Managed IT Services
• 22.8% are evaluating Network Automation, Cloud Solutions, and Mobile Device Management (MDM)

These findings present a clear opportunity for IT providers to engage Virginia businesses with targeted cybersecurity, managed services, and cloud offerings heading into the next budget cycle.

Helping Virginia Businesses Move Forward

Virginia businesses are technologically mature, strategically aware, and actively investing in their future. But the data surfaces two critical vulnerabilities: a meaningful minority still lacks formal cybersecurity programs, and even those with programs face mounting pressure from resource constraints, tool complexity, and the relentless pace of evolving threats.

Want to learn more about how DVD Networks can support your technology strategy? Contact DVD Networks to start the conversation.